P0476 Exhaust Pressure Control Valve "A" Range/Performance Trouble Code

P0476 Exhaust Pressure Control Valve "A" Range/Performance

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Exhaust Pressure Control Valve "A" Range/Performance

What does that mean?

This generic powertrain/engine diagnostic trouble code typically applies to diesel engines, including but not limited to certain Ford, Dodge, Mercedes, Nissan, and VW vehicles.

This code can also apply to those trucks equipped with diesel engines and dealer installed exhaust brakes.

 

A valve is placed in the exhaust stream after the exhaust manifold to generate heat in the form of back pressure in the exhaust. This heat and/or back pressure can be used to assist in cold start warm up. It can also be used to oppose cylinder pressure coming from the engine cylinders out of the exhaust, thereby slowing the engine down and the vehicle along with it. This is especially useful during towing operations.

This code is strictly concerned about the incoming signal from the exhaust pressure sensor not matching intake manifold pressure, ambient air pressure or preprogrammed information during normal driving. This can be a mechanical or an electrical circuit fault, depending upon vehicle manufacturer.

Troubleshooting steps may vary depending upon manufacturer, type of exhaust back pressure control, and wire colors to the control solenoid.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0476 engine code may include:

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated Lack of power Lack of engine braking Longer than normal cold engine warmup time

Potential Causes

Typically the causes for this code to set are:

Stuck Exhaust Back Pressure Valve Possibly stuck / damaged / misadjusted turbocharger wastegate Exhaust system restriction / leaks Exhaust Gas Pressure Sensor Possibly the PCM has failed (highly unlikely)

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

A good starting point is always a technical service bulletin (TSB) search for your particular vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer may have a PCM flash/reprogram to cover this issue, and it pays to check on this before you find you’ve gone down a long/wrong path. PCM = powertrain control module.

Next, verify there are no exhaust leaks. Listen for exhaust noise coming from all exhaust manifolds and pipes, and the presence of black soot at the location of the leak. If a leak is present, repair the exhaust leak first.

Next, locate the Exhaust Pressure Sensor on your particular vehicle. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for chafing, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots or melted plastic. Pull the connectors apart and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. See if they look corroded, burnt or possibly green in color versus the normal metal color you are probably used to seeing. You can get some Electrical Contact cleaner at any parts store if cleaning of the terminals is needed. If this is not possible, find some 91% rubbing alcohol and a light plastic bristle brush to clean them with. Afterwards let them air dry, get some dielectric silicone compound (same stuff they use for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) and put some where the terminals come into contact.

Also, if your vehicle is equipped, remove the sensing tube that connects the exhaust backpressure sensor to the exhaust manifold. Attempt to blow through it. If unable to, this is also a possible cause for this code.

If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic trouble codes from memory, and see if this code returns. If it does not, then the connections were most likely your problem.

If the code does return, you will need to verify proper turbocharger boost operation. You will need a scan tool that can read turbocharger boost pressure. You may have to watch intake manifold pressure, as this will give the same information. Note the pressure at Key On, but with the Engine Off. Aft

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